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Last updated: October 3, 2026
Topsoil calculator
Work out topsoil for new lawns, beds and levelling. US units: feet, inches and cubic feet. Results update as you type.
How to use this calculator
Measure the length and width of the area in feet, then decide how deep you want the topsoil in inches. For odd shapes, split the area into rectangles and add them up using the number of areas box.
A typical depth is 4–6 in for a new lawn, 1–2 in for levelling. These are common guidelines, not rules. Follow the advice for your project or product.
How it's calculated
Volume = length × width × depth. Depth is converted to feet (inches ÷ 12). Cubic feet are divided by 27 to give cubic yards. Weight uses a typical density of 1.1 tonnes per cubic metre. Real products vary with moisture and type, so treat weight as a guide.
Worked example
An area 15 ft long and 12 ft wide, filled 4 in deep: 15 × 12 × (4 ÷ 12) = 60 cu ft, or 2.22 cubic yards. That's 80 bags of 0.75 cu ft, or about 10 loads in a 6 cu ft wheelbarrow.
Common questions
Should I order extra?
Adding around 10% is sensible. Loose material settles and compacts once it's spread and watered, and uneven ground uses more than a flat measurement suggests.
How many bags are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. That's 27 ÷ 0.75 = 36 bags of 0.75 cu ft.
How much does topsoil weigh?
We use a typical 1.1 tonnes per cubic metre. Wet material can weigh noticeably more. If weight matters for delivery or a trailer, ask your supplier for their figure.